From left, Jeffrey Largue, commander of the Bill Gaspar Disabled American Veterans Chapter 60 and Cliff Post, vice commander, accept a check for $1,000 from Danielle Ingram, president of the Veterans of Modern Warfare, which represents sales of the Veterans Tear. The primary use of the proceeds will aid in setting up a Veterans Peer-to-Peer phone line to help veterans in need, especially those with suicidal thoughts. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
In Tioga County, an ongoing effort to raise awareness about veteran’s suicide has brought groups together for a common goal.
Tioga County’s Chapter 9 Veterans of Modern Warfare (VMW) President, Danielle Ingram, worked with award-winning master jewelry designer Michael Husted at Van Horn Jewelers in Owego to create a piece of jewelry, a pin, and now also a pendant version, called the “Veterans Tear.”
Both Ingram and Husted shared that Veterans Tear sales have, “Really taken off.”
The Veterans Tear, a light blue topaz teardrop is set in sterling silver. The teardrop represents the tears of heartache and pain associated with veteran suicide, while the silver frame symbolizes a ray of hope for the future. An idea inspired by Ingram, Husted drafted drawings and crafted the distinctive piece based on Ingram’s description.
At a June 21 check presentation, Ingram, along with individuals representing the Owego Kiwanis, as well as Jill and Skip Hornick of Van Horn Jewelers, gathered to recognize their combined efforts.
From left, Cheri Grenier and Debra Standinger, representing the Owego Kiwanis, Jill and Skip Hornick of Van Horn Jewelers, Danielle Ingram and Dean Morgan gather to recognize their combined efforts in raising funds toward the sale of the Veterans Tear. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
A check for $1,000 was then presented to Jeffrey Largue, Commander of the Bill Gaspar Disabled American Veterans Chapter 60, and Cliff Post, vice commander.
Largue commented that the primary use of the proceeds will, “Aid in setting up a Veterans Peer-to-Peer or sequential phone line to help our fellow veterans,” and especially those with suicidal thoughts.
Largue further explained that as many as six veterans, and most of who will be combat veterans, would be set up on the sequential line and be prepared to answer calls around-the-clock 24/7.
The VMW also accepted a check from the Nichols American Legion on June 14, which will be used toward the Veterans Tear project.
To place a Veterans Tear pin order, contact Ingram at (607) 205-0902, or stop by Van Horn Jewelers located at 31 Lake St. in Owego. The pin, being sold for $100, is on display inside the store.
Ingram also announced a special Suicide Awareness session featuring a guest speaker from Bath, N.Y. Scheduled on July 11 at 6 p.m., the meeting will take place at the Owego V.F.W.
Veterans who are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, or those who know a veteran in crisis, should call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
The Tioga County Veterans’ Service Agency, with an office in Owego, also assists veterans with various support programs. For questions or assistance, call the agency at (607) 687-8228.
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